Verizon Wireless Launching New High-Speed 3G Wireless Network In Syracuse, New York Area

Verizon Wireless Launching New High-Speed 3G Wireless Network In Syracuse, New York Area

Express NetworkSM to Provide High-Speed Wireless Data Access
in Upstate New York and Nationwide

June 28, 2002

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SYRACUSE, NY

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Starting Tuesday, July 2, Verizon Wireless customers in the Syracuse, Utica, Watertown, Ithaca, Auburn, Canton and Potsdam areas will be able to reap the rewards of a significantly faster, more robust wireless experience with the company's commercial launch of its 1XRTT network. Express Network - the first deployment of 3G technology by a wireless company in Central New York - will enhance all levels of wireless communications - from a simple voice call, to full Internet browsing, and email. This high-speed network also supports enterprise applications, giving companies with mobile employees tools for increased productivity and efficiency.

This latest Express Network extension completes Verizon Wireless' 3G network expansion across Upstate New York (the network launched in Buffalo, Rochester and the rest of Western New York in March, and in the Capital District and Eastern New York in April) and allows more Americans across the country to access the most expansive high-speed wireless data network available.

The Express Network is Verizon Wireless' 1XRTT data network, capable of data transmission speeds up to 144 kilobits per second (kbps). The Express Network will give users full Internet access, intranet access and traditional email functionality via a laptop and select PDAs at unprecedented speeds for wireless access. Business customers and individual consumers using Express Network can expect high-speed wireless data and robust Internet access at average speeds between 40 and 60 kbps, with bursts up to 144 kbps - similar to or better than speeds users experience when dialing in from their home PC.

"Verizon Wireless jump-started the wireless data services marketplace by building the country's first and only national high-speed wireless data network and is now reinforcing that network with an aggressive expansion plan," said John Palmer, president of Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region. "As the industry leader in the high-speed wireless data market, this market addition broadens our commanding lead and forms an even deeper 3G national network."

Pricing Plans

Verizon Wireless recently announced a flat-rate pricing plan for data-hungry customers. For $99.99 per month with some restrictions, subscribers can download unlimited data on the Express Network. Customers can also sign up for time-based usage plans, which begin at $35 monthly access for 150 minutes of connection and may be used for either voice or data calls, and $55 and $75 monthly access plans include 400 and 600 minutes respectively. Verizon Wireless offers enterprise customers pricing based on megabyte usage with rate plans starting at $35 monthly access for 10 MB, $55 monthly access for 20 MB, and $75 monthly access for 40 MB of data sent and received on the Express Network.

Equipment Choices

Verizon Wireless offers five equipment options to Express Networkcustomers. The Verizon Wireless 2235 handset from Kyocera, the VX1 by LG and the 9155-GPX from Audiovox, are each compact wireless phone options with varied pricing and features. These wireless phones function as a modem when used with a laptop and a compatible Mobile Office connectivity kit, sold separately, to access the Express Network. The Thera is the newest Windows Powered Pocket PC that enables consumers to use the same device to make voice calls, access the Express Network or Mobile Web. Thera, by Audiovox, is also a dual-band wireless phone and a powerful mobile computing device that can access data on several platforms. For customers who value the form factor of a PC card, the AirCard 555 from Sierra Wireless can be used with laptops and select PDAs.

Express NetworkService Area

The Verizon Wireless Express Network - the only national high-speed wireless Internet access service - is available to customers in the following areas:

The Eastern seaboard, including other major Northeast regions: Norfolk, VA to Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, New York, including Albany, Buffalo and Rochester, through to Boston in Portland, Maine; and Burlington, Waterbury and Montpelier in Vermont

Midwest: Chicago, Illinois and Gary, Indiana, St. Louis; several locations throughout Ohio including: Columbus, Akron, Toledo and Cleveland; in the greater Kansas City area, including Overland Park, Topeka and St. Joseph, Missouri, and in Wichita; major markets in and around Detroit, Michigan including Lansing and Ann Arbor and Milwaukee's metro area

The east and west coasts of Florida: Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Lakeland, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Key West and the greater Orlando area

West: in the technology-savvy Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California; Salt Lake City, Utah; in Portland, Oregon; throughout all of Southern California, including the cities of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego and Palm Springs.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 30 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.